Homeschooling Challenged in Spain

The Sala-González family of Alicante, Spain faces a September 9 court date over homeschooling, despite the fact that social workers in the case have reported favorably on the family. Spanish prosecutors insist that the family is breaking the law by educating their child at home. Since December 2010, when a vague ruling from Spain’s Constitutional Court put families in a legal limbo, more Spanish homeschool families are facing trouble with social workers and education authorities. Although homeschooling is not explicitly prohibited, officials also argue that homeschooling is not explicitly permitted by their compulsory attendance laws.

In February 2011, letters from HSLDA members and supporters of homeschooling around the world made a difference in the lives of a Spanish homeschool family. A Spanish court proceeded to drop the charges against the family in question. (See “Court Drops Charges Against Family.”)

“Your support can make a difference for this family as well,” notes Michael Donnelly, HSLDA’s director of international relations. “Spanish officials have responded to international input previously. Please sign this petition and email encouragement to the family.”

Donnelly will be in Spain this month, speaking at the Spanish national homeschool conference, sponsored by the Asociación por la Libre Educación (ALE), where he will also meet other European homeschool leaders to discuss strategies to help homeschoolers in Europe gain more freedom.

“Homeschooling is a growing international movement. America has over 40 years of experience with 2 million homeschooled children. Our experience and support can help advance the cause of homeschooling and freedom for people all over the world,” he said.

Action Requested

Please sign the petition and make comments in support of the Sala-González family. If you have several moments, please then email or mail an encouraging word to the family: